Van Life Essentials - Complete Gear List
Van adventures can be a lot of fun, but having the right gear can make them even better. This is my complete gear list for my van RV, detailing everything from must-have essentials to personal favorites that enhance both comfort and functionality on the road. This list is constantly updated to accurately reflect the gear and accessories I currently use, or newer versions of what I use and endorse in my adventure van.
Table of Contents
Roadside & Emergency Gear
When preparing for roadside emergencies, it's vital to have a well-stocked kit that can help you handle various situations. These are my essential items to have in my roadside emergency kit.
Battery Jump Starter
NOCO Boost Battery Jump Starter
This compact and portable device allows you to quickly and safely jump-start your vehicle without needing another car, making it a vital tool for emergencies.
Air Compressor
AVID Power Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor
This compact and portable unit makes it easy to quickly fill or maintain air pressure in your vehicle’s tires without needing an air compressor.
Recovery Kit
Tow Strap Recovery Kit
This compact kit provides the necessary tools for safe and efficient recovery if I get stuck in the mud or snow and need assistance from another vehicle.
Extra Fuses
Automotive Fuses Assortment
In the event of a blown fuse, having a variety of replacements on hand allows for quick and efficient repairs, minimizing downtime and potential hazards on the road.
Emergency Road Flares
LED Rechargeable Road Flare Emergency Lights
Road flares serve as a vital safety tool, providing high-visibility warnings to other drivers in the event of a breakdown or emergency situation.
Recovery Shovel
DMOS Stealth Emergency Shovel
This compact & versatile tool can assist in a variety of situations, such as digging out tires stuck in mud or snow, creating a stable base for traction, or even clearing debris from your path.
Recovery Boards
MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Board
These boards are designed to provide maximum traction in challenging conditions such as mud, snow, or sand, allowing you to extricate your vehicle quickly and easily.
Tool Roll
Ryker Bag Tool Organizer
I keep this roll accessible and filled with assorted tools such as: screw drivers, allen wrenches, vice grips, plyers, tape measure, wire cutters, utility knife, electrical tape.
First Aid Kit
163 Pieces First Aid Kit
A first aid kit provides immediate access to medical essentials, such as bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and other critical items that can help address minor injuries or health issues on the road.
Shears
Raptor Rescue 6 in 1 Trauma Shears
These versatile medical shears offer more than just cutting capabilities, featuring a foldable design that makes them compact and easy to store, an oxygen tank wrench, glass breaker tip, and ruler measurement.
Rescue Tool
Resqme Rescue Tool Keyring
This compact and lightweight tool serves as a 2-in-1 emergency device, featuring a seatbelt cutter and a window breaker, allowing you to escape from your vehicle in critical situations.
Headlamp
Energizer Rechargeable LED Headlamp
A headlamp provides hands-free illumination, allowing you to work on your vehicle or navigate your surroundings in low-light conditions without sacrificing visibility.
Security & Safety
Fire Extinguisher
StaySafe All in 1 Portable RV Fire Extinguisher
Van’s & RVs are particularly vulnerable to fire due to various potential ignition sources, including cooking appliances, electrical systems, and fuel storage. Keep extinguishers close and handy!
Automatic Fire Extinguisher
Automatic Fire Extinguisher
Automatic fire extinguishers can greatly enhance your fire protection. These handy little devices are maintenance free and provide an immediate response to potential fires. I have one of these mounted above each of my batteries as well as my inverter charger.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
RV Carbon Monoxide Detector Dual LP/CO Alarm
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, and highly toxic gas that can accumulate quickly in the confined space of an RV. Installing a carbon monoxide detector is a simple yet vital step in safeguarding against the potentially lethal effects of CO exposure.
Smart Tags
Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker Tags
Using Bluetooth trackers like in your vehicle can significantly enhance your ability to monitor and recover your car if it gets lost or stolen. “Take my shit, and I will be coming to take it back”.
Kitchen & Cooking
RV Camp Stove
2 Burner Propane Camping Stove with Grill
This compact and portable stove allows me to prepare delicious meals with ease, whether I'm parked at a scenic campsite or exploring remote locations.
Propane Cylinder
Refillable 1lb Reusable Propane Cylinders
These cylinders, which hold 16.4 ounces of propane, are legally refillable and transportable, making them a safer alternative to disposable tanks.
Cookware
Portable Camping Pots and Pans Set
This quality cook set features nesting pots and pans, which allow for efficient packing in limited storage areas, making them ideal for backpacking and car camping alike.
Utensils
Food Grade Kitchen Cooking Tongs
Made from stainless steel, these tongs provide a firm yet gentle grip, allowing cooks to turn, flip, or serve food without tearing or dropping it.
Knives
2 Piece Chef Knife Set With Sheaths
Perfect for chopping, slicing, and dicing a variety of ingredients, from fresh vegetables to meats. Each knife comes with a custom-fit sheath to ensure safety during travel and storage.
Utensils
Flexible Silicone Spatula
This spatula offers exceptional flexibility, allowing you to effortlessly scrape, flip, and serve a variety of dishes. Its heat-resistant properties ensure safe use with hot cookware, while the non-stick surface makes for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Utensils
Kitchen Shears
Kitchen shears are an essential tool in any culinary arsenal, combining the functionality of scissors with the precision needed for food preparation.
Kitchen Tools
Manual 2-in-1 Can Opener Bottle Opener
This dual-function gadget efficiently opens both bottle caps and canned goods, making it an indispensable companion for the van RV.
Utensils
Space Saving 6 Piece Kitchen Gadget Set
This 6-Piece Kitchen Tool Set is designed for efficiency and space-saving, making it an ideal choice for the van or camper.
Utensils
Roasting Sticks
These tools are particularly useful for roasting marshmallows, hot dogs, and other campfire treats, making them a favorite among families and campers.
Dish Scraper
MSR Alpine Camping Dish Scraper
This versatile utensil features a dual-purpose design with a stiff-bristled brush for scrubbing and a scraping edge that effectively removes stubborn food residue, making it ideal for both nonstick and traditional cookware.
Cutting Board
3-in-1 Multifunction Collapsible Cutting Board
This versatile kitchen tool is designed for efficiency and convenience. It combines a chopping board, a colander for draining, and a storage container, making it ideal for various food preparation tasks.
Dinnerware
16-Piece Modern Cutlery Set with 2-in-1 Serrated Knives
This lightweight, space-saving cutlery set featuring high-quality serrated knives is an ideal addition to your RV kitchen.
Cups
Compact Collapsible Travel Cups
These innovative cups can handle both hot and cold beverages while being lightweight and portable. When not in use, they can collapse down to just 2 inches, making them easy to store in tight spaces, which is ideal for camper van living.
Plates & Bowls
6-Piece Wheat Straw Dinnerware Set
These dishes are lightweight and durable. They are designed to withstand drops and spills, ideal for the mobile lifestyle of RV camping.
Lighters
Flexible Shaft Camping Lighters
These lighters feature a flexible gooseneck shaft that allows users to easily adjust the angle and position for igniting stoves, grills, or in tight spaces.
Hand Towels & Wash Rags
Kitchen Dishcloth Set
These high-quality, absorbent dishcloths are perfect for tackling spills and keeping your cooking space tidy.
Oven Mitts
4 Piece Oven Mitt & Pot Holder Set
This set includes two heat-resistant oven mitts and two matching pot holders, all crafted to withstand high temperatures while providing excellent grip and protection.
Coffee Press
STANLEY Adventure All-in-One Boil + Brew French Press
Versatile camping coffee press able to produce great coffee without requiring extensive equipment or setup.
Kettle
12v Portable Electric Car Kettle
Designed for travel, these kettles are lightweight, compact, and provides a convenient way to heat water while on the road using your vehicles 12v DC port.
Kettle
Foldable Travel 120v Electric Kettle
If you have a 120v AC power, these kettles are awesome. They can provide quick access to hot water without taking up valuable space, making them perfect for preparing hot beverages or instant meals on the go.
Tea infusers are great for filtering loose leaf tea, but can also be used to strain coffee on the go. These compact reusable infusers pair nicely with the electric kettles and are very nice to have in the van.
Garbage Can
Collapsible RV Kitchen Trash Can
These handy containers can be easily mounted on cabinet doors or walls, providing convenient access while keeping the floor area clear. When not in use, they can be collapsed for compact storage, making them perfect for the limited space in RVs.
Chip Clips
Chip Clips, 2 inch, 16 Pack
These clips effectively seal open bags of chips or other snacks, preventing staleness and making it easy to enjoy them later.
Folding Table
Adjustable Height Foldable Camping Table
This versatile table is perfect for meal prep and dining, offering three adjustable heights to accommodate various cooking tasks and user preferences.
Sleeping & Comfort
Mattress Pad
Egg Crate Foam Mattress Topper
These toppers are designed with a unique egg carton-like shape that provides improved support and pressure relief by distributing body weight evenly. They are lightweight, making them easy to transport and install, which is particularly beneficial in the limited space of an RV.
Heated Mattress Liner
Electrowarmth 12v Twin, Heated Mattress Pad
This is an effective solution for maintaining warmth during cold nights while camping or traveling. These liners are designed to be energy-efficient, which makes them suitable for use with standard RV battery systems without excessive power consumption.
Blanket
Rumpl Original Puffy Camping Blanket
The Rumpl Blanket is an ideal companion for van camping, combining warmth and versatility. It is designed to resist water, dirt, and debris, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
Blanket
Luxury Faux Fur Blanket
This is heavier and bulkier than other options, but when it comes to camping and nature, the fur blanket is a nice companion that offers luxurious softness and exceptional warmth.
Pillows
Hotel Quality Queen Bed Pillows Set of 2
Plush and breathable, these pillows provide excellent neck and head support, mimicking the comfort found in luxury hotel settings.
Toiletries & Bath
Toiletry Organizer
Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag
This spacious yet compact bag features multiple compartments to keep your toiletries organized and easily accessible. The durable, water-resistant material ensures that spills are contained, while the convenient hanging hook allows for easy storage in tight spaces.
Toothbrush
Folding Travel Toothbrush
This sleek, space-saving toothbrush easily folds to fit into your camper van's limited storage, ensuring you maintain your oral hygiene on the go. Featuring soft bristles for gentle cleaning and a durable handle for a secure grip, it’s perfect for both short getaways and long journeys.
Dental Floss
Oral-B Glide Dental Floss 6-Pack
Whether parked at a campsite or exploring remote areas, having dental floss readily available ensures you can care for your teeth anywhere during your travels.
Bath Towels
Microfiber Oversized Bath Towels
These towels are lightweight, compact, and quick-drying, making them the perfect travel companion. Their soft texture ensures comfort after a refreshing shower, while their durability means they can withstand countless adventures.
Soap
Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash Liquid Camp Soap
This biodegradable soap is designed for versatility, effectively cleaning dishes, laundry, and even your body while being gentle on fabrics and skin. With its unscented formula, it ensures that your cleaning needs are met without harming the environment.
Wet Wipes
Combat Wipes Outdoor Wet Wipes
These ultra-thick, biodegradable wet wipes are designed with battlefield experience, ensuring they are robust enough to handle the grime from a day spent hiking or camping.
Nail Clippers & Tweezers
Personal Care Travel Nail Clipper Kit
This all-in-one kit includes high-quality nail clippers, a file, tweezers. and a pair of scissors, all housed in a durable, space-saving case. Lightweight and portable, it fits perfectly in your travel essentials without taking up valuable space.
Electronics & Tech
Charging Cable
Retractable 4 in 1 Multi Charging USB Cable
This compact and innovative charging solution features multiple connectors, including USB-C, Lightning, and Micro USB, allowing you to charge various devices effortlessly.
Portable Battery Bank
Solar Charger Portable Power Battery Bank
This compact power solution features a high-capacity battery that keeps your devices charged on the go. Equipped with a flashlight and a built-in solar panel, you can harness the sun's energy to recharge your bank during outdoor excursions.
Power Inverter
12v DC to 120v AC Travel Power Inverter
This compact inverter efficiently converts the 12V DC power from your vehicle's battery into 120V AC power, allowing you to run small electronics and charge devices while on the road.
Waterproof Speaker
Waterproof Bluetooth Portable Speaker
This compact and rugged speaker delivers powerful sound while withstanding the elements, making it perfect for outdoor use.
Collapsible Lantern
Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Lantern
This collapsible solar-powered lantern offers a maximum brightness of 60 lumens with three adjustable brightness levels, including a cozy candle flicker mode for ambiance. It is lightweight and easy to store, making it perfect for camping trips.
Portable Projector
NEBULA Capsule 3 Laser Projector
These projectors are ideal for creating a cinematic experience in the limited space of a van, allowing you to enjoy movies and shows on the go.
Entertainment
Playing Cards
National Parks Travel Playing Cards
Perfect for your camper van adventures. Each card features awesome artwork inspired by the beauty of America's national parks.
Uno
Uno Wilderness Card Game
This family-friendly card game retains the classic UNO gameplay, where players take turns matching cards by color or number, but with a vibrant wilderness theme that enhances the camping experience.
Farkle
Farkel Classic Dice Game
Farkel is an engaging dice game that combines skill, luck, and risk-taking, making it an ideal choice for your camper van adventures. The game requires just six dice, a score sheet, and a pencil, allowing for easy setup and play anywhere.
Bean Bag Toss
Portable Collapsible Corn Hole Boards
Designed for adventure on the go, this lightweight and compact bean bag toss game easily fits into your camper van, providing endless fun for family and friends.
Miscellaneous
Camping Chair
Portable Heated Compact Camping Chair
This lightweight and compact chair effortlessly folds for easy storage and transport. Equipped with adjustable heating elements, it ensures you stay warm during those chilly evenings.
Hammock
Camping Hammock with Mosquito Net
This lightweight, portable hammock features a durable, breathable fabric that ensures comfort while you unwind in nature. The integrated bug net provides a protective barrier against pesky insects, allowing you to enjoy your surroundings without worry.
Vacuum
Van RV Car Portable Vacuum
Compact and lightweight, this powerful vacuum ensures that your living space stays clean and tidy, no matter where your adventures take you.
Broom & Dust Pan
Compact Hand Broom Dustpan
Designed for easy storage and quick clean-ups, this essential duo features a lightweight, ergonomic design that fits perfectly in small spaces.
Hatchet
Fiskars Lightweight X7 Hatchet
Weighing only 1.4 lbs (635 g) and featuring a 14-inch hollow fiberglass handle, this hatchet is remarkably lightweight, making it easy to carry in your camper van without adding unnecessary bulk.
Saw
Folding Camp Hand Saw
Designed for portability and efficiency, this lightweight saw easily folds into a compact size, making it ideal for storage in tight spaces. With a durable, high-carbon steel blade, it effortlessly cuts through branches and wood, ensuring you’re well-equipped for any outdoor task.
Saw
Boreal 21 Folding Bow Saw
This Folding Bow Saw provides a reliable, efficient, and safe cutting solution. Its compact design makes it a must-have addition to your camper van gear, ensuring you are well-equipped for any adventure that comes your way.
Window Scraper
Compact Extendable Windshield Ice Scraper
This scraper is lightweight and compact. It easily stows away in the van, and features a telescopic handle that extends to reach those hard-to-access areas of your windshield, making it an essential tool for winter travels.
Umbrella
Compact Easy Open Travel Umbrella
Lightweight and portable, this umbrella easily fits in your van without taking up valuable space. Its durable construction ensures it can withstand the elements, providing reliable protection from rain or sun during your travels.
Extension Cord
25ft Extreme Cold Weather Extension Cord
This 25-foot extreme cold extension cord is perfect for camper vans, ensuring reliable power supply in harsh winter conditions. Constructed with heavy-duty wiring, it provides superior conductivity and durability, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Collapsible Hose
Expandable Flexi Hose
This innovative hose expands when water flows through it, reaching its full length quickly and easily, and then contracts for compact storage when not in use.
Fire Pit
Portable Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit
This compact and lightweight fire pit stows away small, and sets up in minutes, providing a cozy gathering spot for friends and family wherever your adventures take you.
Fire Pit Stick
Compact Blow Fire Poker Tong Set
Designed for compact storage in your camper van, this versatile duo ensures you can safely tend to your campfire while maximizing space.
Solar String Lights
Solar Powered Rechargeable Camping String Lights
These lights offer three brightness settings and can be charged via solar power or USB, making them versatile for various camping conditions
Outdoor Rug
Camping Outdoor RV Patio Mat
Crafted from durable, weather-resistant materials, this mat provides a comfortable and stylish space for you to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Collapsible Bucket
Compact Collapsible Bucket
Designed with convenience in mind, this lightweight and compact bucket easily folds down to save space when not in use.
Collapsible Water Jug
Collapsible Camping Water Container
This lightweight container easily folds down when not in use, saving valuable space in your camper. The built-in spigot allows for easy dispensing of water, making it perfect for cooking, cleaning, or drinking.
Collapsible Stools
Portable Collapsible Stool with Cushion
Designed for easy portability, this lightweight stool collapses flat for effortless storage in your camper van. The cushioned seat provides added comfort and doubles as carry bag.
Water Filter
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
This innovative bottle features a two-stage filtration system that effectively removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, making it safe to drink from natural water sources like rivers and streams.
Water Filter
LifeStraw Peak Series Personal Water Filter
With this ultra-lightweight personal water filter, you can confidently explore the outdoors, knowing you have access to clean water whenever needed.
